Trying To Live With The Circumstances Related To Eczema And Available Treatments
A type of inflammation that occurs on the outer layer of the skin is known as eczema. While its actual cause is not known, the belief is that the immune system has a reaction to some type of outside irritant. The term is used to cover a broad range of conditions that result in skin that becomes inflamed, dry, red, irritated and itchy. This condition has a variety of different forms that can present themselves. A term known as dermatitis may be used frequently in order to describe cases of acute Eczema.
The condition has been classified into several different types for clarification. It affects approximately ten to twenty percent of infants and approximately three percent of all children and adults in the United States. Atopic is allergy related, has also been linked to asthma and believed to be hereditary in nature. Symptoms include a rash that is very itchy and appears on the scalp, head, elbows (inside), knees (back) and butt.
Contact dermatitis can be in two different forms; one is an irritant, while the other is allergic. Exposure to some substances can result in both with particular individuals. About seventy-five percent of the cases in this category have to do with occupational exposure of some sort.
A serious condition of eczema when the skin becomes extremely dry is xerotic. This usually happens during the colder months of the year and the limbs and trunk are most affected. Itching and dry skin are symptoms, but it is not uncommon for the skin to crack open as well.
Seborrhea dermatitis is somewhat like dandruff. It is also referred to as cradle cap when dealing with infants. It is not usually a serious condition unless it deals with an infant.
At home prevention should include keeping the skin lotioned and moist in order to help with the prevention of it becoming dry and cracking especially during cold months. Most forms are treated with topical corticosteroids. These are not a cure, but they do help with the symptoms and control the spread and discomfort. Unfortunately the side effects of long-term steroid use is that the skin becomes more fragile eventually.
Antihistamines can also be used to calm the rash and itching. Many times it is necessary for antibiotics to be prescribed if scratching has resulted in the possibility of infection. As a last resort, immunosuppressants may be used if all other treatment has failed to work.
Do you suffer from dermatitis? Well, if you do, you should look into a dry skin cream. You will see our creams can help keep the skin repaired and moisturized like it should be.